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Sword lettuce is small to medium in size, averaging up to thirty centimeters in height, and has long, thin leaves that grow upright from a central stem and taper to a point. The bright green leaves are slightly serrated along the edges and have a central, crunchy midrib with prominent veins spanning across the surface. Sword lettuce is crisp and tender with the texture of butter lettuce and has a unique green, mildly bitter flavor with notes of almond and clove.
Seasons/Availability
Sword lettuce is available in the early summer.
Current Facts
Sword lettuce, botanically classified as Lactuca sativa, is an Asian loose-leaf variety that is a member of the Asteraceae family. Also known as Pointed Leaf lettuce, Sword Leaf lettuce, Oriental lettuce, and Yu Mai Tsai, Sword lettuce is native to Asia and is especially popular in Taiwan and southern China. Sword leaf lettuce can be harvested loosely or as a whole head at varying stages of maturity and is most commonly used cooked in stir-fries.
Nutritional Value
Sword lettuce is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and B-complex vitamins. The lettuce also contains folate, iron, potassium, copper, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Applications
Sword lettuce is best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as sautéing, boiling, or stir-frying. The long-leafed lettuce can be used fresh, adding texture and a unique flavor to garden salads, or it can be used in rolls and wraps. The leaves can also be boiled in soups and stews, stir-fried with garlic as a side dish, or sautéed with other vegetables and served with lo mein. Sword lettuce pairs well with broccoli, water chestnuts, bell pepper, carrots, onions, garlic, green onions, poultry, beef, tofu, fish, sesame oil, soy sauce, and peanuts. The leaves do not keep long after harvest and will only last for a couple of days when stored in a perforated bag in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Taiwan, Sword lettuce is known as A Choy or A-Tsai. The bitter green is one of the more popular greens traditionally used in stir-fries and soups in the country. In Taiwan and parts of southern China, raw lettuce is not commonly consumed due to a history of less than sanitary growing conditions. With advancements in cultivation and more commercial production, salads have become more popular in recent times.
Geography/History
Sword lettuce is native to Asia and has been growing since ancient times. Widely cultivated by both home gardeners and commercial producers, Sword lettuce is most commonly found in Southeast Asia but is also popular among Tawainese living around the world. Today Sword lettuce is found in Asia and may be spotted at local farmers markets in Southern California or in backyard gardens in cooler climates of North America and Europe.
Coleman Family Farm
Santa Barbara, CA
Sword lettuce features bright green, serrated-edged leaves that grow upright from a central stem, tapering to a distinct point. Its texture is reminiscent of butter lettuce, combining crisp and tender qualities. The flavor is uniquely green and mildly bitter, with subtle notes of almond and clove adding complexity to its taste profile.
SPECIALTY PRODUCE
1929 Hancock St San Diego 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Sword lettuce is incredibly versatile in the kitchen, suitable for both raw and cooked dishes like salads, soups, and stir-fries. Its slightly bitter leaves enhance flavors when paired with garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, or even peanuts. Popular in lo mein and wraps, sword lettuce also works well with vegetables like broccoli or water chestnuts. However, it has a short shelf life and should be used within a couple of days when stored in a perforated bag in the refrigerator.
Farmers Market Santa Monica
Arizona Ave & 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
https://www.santamonica.gov/categories/programs/farmers-market
Sword lettuce is botanically classified as Lactuca sativa and is an Asian loose-leaf variety belonging to the Asteraceae family. Known by names like Oriental lettuce and Yu Mai Tsai, it's native to Asia, especially Taiwan and southern China. Rich in nutrients, it provides dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, along with minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, making it both a culinary and healthful choice.
Coleman Family Farms
+18054317324 [email protected]
Sword lettuce originates from Asia and has a rich history of cultivation reaching back to ancient times. It is widely grown across Southeast Asia and holds particular significance in Taiwanese communities worldwide. While primarily found in Asia, Sword lettuce has also made its way into Southern California farmers markets and is even cultivated in backyard gardens in cooler regions of North America and Europe.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Sword Lettuce from Coleman Family Farms..Sword Lettuce: In Taiwan, Sword lettuce is often referred to as A Choy or A-Tsai. Traditionally, it has been a popular ingredient in stir-fries and soups, as raw lettuce was rarely consumed due to historical concerns about sanitary growing conditions. However, improvements in cultivation and an increase in commercial production have led to a rise in the popularity of salads featuring this bitter green.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Sword Lettuce from Coleman Family Farms..Sword lettuce is known for its long, upright, and thin leaves, which grow from a central stem and can reach up to thirty centimeters. Its bright green leaves have serrated edges, a crunchy midrib, and prominent veins. The texture is crisp and tender, reminiscent of butter lettuce, with a mild bitterness complemented by delicate notes of almond and clove, making it a unique addition to salads or fresh dishes.
specialty produce
1929 hancock st sd ca 92110
6192953172 [email protected]
Sword Lettuce from "COLEMAN FAMILY FARMS" at Specialty Produce...Sword lettuce is versatile, working well in both raw and cooked dishes. Its firm leaves add texture to salads, wraps, and rolls. It can also be sautéed, stir-fried with garlic, or added to soups and stews. Pair it with broccoli, bell peppers, tofu, sesame oil, or soy sauce for flavorful meals. Keep in mind, it has a short shelf life and lasts just a couple of days in a perforated bag in the refrigerator.
Coleman Family Farms
Carpenteria,CA
+18054317324 [email protected]
Sword lettuce is botanically classified as Lactuca sativa and belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is also known as Pointed Leaf lettuce, Yu Mai Tsai, and Oriental lettuce. Native to Asia, it's popular in Taiwan and southern China. This loose-leaf variety is typically harvested at different maturity stages and often cooked in stir-fries rather than eaten raw for enhanced flavor and texture.
Coleman Family Farms
Sword Lettuce from Coleman Family Farms..Sword Lettuce: Sword lettuce has a rich history of cultivation in Asia, where it has been grown since ancient times. While it is most commonly found in Southeast Asia, this leafy green is popular among Taiwanese communities globally. In Southern California, you may find sword lettuce at local farmers markets, and it can thrive in cooler climates in North America and Europe as well.
Romeo Coleman
Carpenteria,CA
+18054317324 [email protected]
Sword lettuce: In Taiwan, Sword lettuce, also called A Choy or A-Tsai, is a popular bitter green frequently used in traditional stir-fries and soups. Historically, raw lettuce was rarely eaten due to unsanitary growing conditions. However, modern advancements in cultivation and commercial production have led to a rise in the popularity of salads, showcasing how food habits can shift with improved agricultural practices.
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